President Bola Tinubu has approved Nigeria’s bid to host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the 2026 CAF Awards Ceremony, in a move expected to strengthen the country’s standing in African football.
The approval was confirmed on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Nigeria Football Federation’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire.
Olajire disclosed that Tinubu announced the approval during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, following meetings with CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, and other senior football officials.
According to him, Nigeria’s selection underscores growing confidence in the country’s ability to successfully stage major continental sporting events.
He added that discussions at the summit centred on football development, infrastructure and deeper collaboration within African football.
Among those present at the meetings were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau; and former NFF President, Amaju Pinnick.
CAF Acting Secretary-General, Samson Adamu, also participated in talks concerning preparations for future continental football programmes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled to hold in October and is expected to attract top football administrators and stakeholders from across Africa.
Participants will include presidents of CAF’s 54 member associations, representatives of zonal football unions, and other senior officials involved in football governance on the continent.
The assembly is regarded as one of CAF’s most significant annual meetings, where major policy and administrative decisions affecting African football are taken.
Nigeria’s hosting rights are also expected to enhance its profile within African football circles.
Under the new arrangement, Nigeria will also stage the 2026 CAF Awards Ceremony, an event that celebrates outstanding performances by players, coaches, teams and administrators across African football.
The awards ceremony is widely recognised for blending recognition, glamour and entertainment in honour of excellence in the sport.
Football stakeholders believe hosting both events will further project Nigeria as a preferred destination for major sporting events.
“It is another opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s readiness and commitment to African football,” Olajire said.
